Who says the classical recording industry is dead? The very existence of this disc devoted to the chamber music of Antonín and Pavel Vranický is proof that the classical recording industry is alive and well and living in Prague in the Czech Republic. How else could one explain this sumptuous recording of virtually unknown repertoire? How else could one explain these exquisite performances by players who sound as if they have known and loved the music all their lives?
It must be government support. Although everything about this disc is ideal from music to performance to recording to packaging, it is hard to imagine who would want to hear this disc. Although flutist
Jiri Valek's clear, warm tone and oboist
Jana Brozkova's sweet, supple tone blend and weave effortlessly with the superb ensemble of the Stamic Quartet and its performances are full of charm, wit, and grace, it is still hard to imagine who would want to hear this disc. But of course, the answer is absolutely everyone, everyone who ever smiled or laughed or felt the evanescent touch of the infinite. Supraphon's sound is lucid and luminous. What more could anyone ask?